As we consider this month’s theme, we need to think of Jesus not just as a Friend of Sinners, but as a Friend to sinners. There is no social class, no race, no economic group to whom Jesus does not extend His hand in friendship. From the dirtiest city gutter to the most ornate executive board room, Jesus stands near to sinners.


Anyone reading through the Gospels sees Jesus also is a Friend to individuals. Many of us grew up in the age when much of the world was gripped by Communism. Communism’s lies were rooted in the notion of the collective being greater than the individual. Jesus regards even the lowest individual. Whereas Karl Marx spoke of classes and masses, the Good Shepherd speaks of going in search of a single lost sheep.


Our Scripture verse today reminds us that God sees each of us. He spoke the universe into existence by just a word; He knows everything; He is the glue that holds the universe together. And still, the Friend to sinners reaches out to rescue us, one at a time, rejoicing in each one.